Wedding Weekend Bliss

Photos by Rob + Deanna Photography

Teamwork makes the dream work, as the saying goes, which is exactly what made Sam and Ashley (née Vogel) Teper’s fabulous wedding weekend a memorable experience for all. Both were “heavily involved” in the planning. The happy couple was married in downtown Memphis at The Kent on Nov. 11, 2023, which also happened to be Ashley’s dad’s 60th birthday.

“I felt a little guilty,” Ashley noted, due to the tragedy in Israel a month before. “But I was reminded that we need more simchas, more celebrations.” In fact, to keep the country, soldiers, and hostages in mind during their joyous occasion, they hung an Israeli flag above their chuppah.

The foundation for Sam and Ashley’s journey was laid back in 2018 – after visiting the sites with her cousin, Monte Eiseman, who was living in the Windy City at the time, Ashley decided to move to Chicago. With a design background, she was especially drawn to the iconic architecture.

As another saying goes, it’s all about who you know: A mutual friend introduced Ashley and Sam, who’s from Northbrook, Illinois. “We met during the pandemic in 2020, when there was nothing to do. So, we hung out. A lot,” explained Ashley. “When I worked late, Sam cooked dinner.”

All that precious time together solidified their bond, leading to their cheerful weekend wedding.

Thursday night, there was an intimate dinner with friends, grandparents, and some out of towners at Ashley’s parent’s house, including a wine, tequila, and bourbon tasting. Perhaps the most hilarious part of the whole weekend was when Sam had the highly sought-after opportunity to serve as Duckmaster of The Peabody Ducks. “My friends came to watch,” Sam added with a smirk, “I had the cane, all of it.”

With a Memphis wedding, Sam was particularly excited about hosting the rehearsal dinner at Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. After a bit of convincing, all the parents were on board. It was a rousing success. From the Mississippi Terrace conference center and outdoor space, 225 guests, most of whom were out of towners, enjoyed a cocktail hour, buffet dinner, a few brief speeches, and some Shabbat details, while Sam’s brother and best friend played fun, engaging hosts for the night.

“It went by so fast!” said Ashley in contagious, bubbly tone. “After the rehearsal dinner, we went to Silky O’Sullivan’s on Beale Street, where we’d reserved a patio. We had drinks served in their huge ‘Diver Buckets’ and, of course, the goats were there, too.”

For the wedding on 11.11, which is a special angel number in numerology, representing new beginnings, fresh starts, creativity, leadership, and spirituality, Ashley envisioned an enchanted, ethereal ambiance.

“I have an art design background, and I felt like the flowers set the theme, look and feel, and vibe – so that was very important to me,” said Ashley, who spent five years curating an immersive Chicago museum and working at Archer Malmo in Memphis before that. “I wanted lots of greenery and every shade of pink. Our florist, Kelly Freeland, was amazing; we both had vision boards!”

Before the ceremony, their wedding party and immediate family joined in for the Ketubah signing. “It was a beautiful and intimate ceremony,” shared Sam, who works in commercial real estate investments. “Plus, for a lot of my friends, that was the first time ever doing a Ketubah, so it was great for them to see that culture. It was such a special moment.”

As 300 guests looked on, Temple Israel’s Senior Rabbi Micah Greenstein officiated the ceremony. After ‘Mazel Tovs’ erupted, everyone indulged in a delicious dinner before letting loose on the dance floor. A terrific band played for part of the night, with some of the songs chosen by the couple, including a “hora mashup.”

“Jim and I were elated to see our son, Samuel, marry the love of his life, Ashley Rose,” said Sue and Jim Teper, Sam’s parents. “To witness such happiness is a joy for any parent! This was a day to remember, and to have all our close friends and relatives surrounding us with love was extra special.”

Creativity was needed to contend with a noise ordinance, which meant the band’s music had to stop at 11 p.m.

“My mom had the fabulous idea of a silent disco!” beamed Ashley.

“There were two music channels to choose from, and over half our guests had never done it before – it clearly was the highlight of the night for everyone, the best!” she said.

Other distinctive details included a “unique cocktail hour experience” with a sushi table, an Eat Your Art Out sign, and mini paint cups and brushes for soy sauce.

Instead of signing a guest book, guests left voice messages in a pink phone booth.

There was an amazing floral wall with hands holding flutes of champagne.

The “awesome” groom’s cake was a bucket of golf balls tipped over.

“Ashley and Sam’s wedding day was incredibly special. The sun was shining brightly, and the weather was perfect for a November fall day,” noted Stacy Vogel, Ashley’s mom. “We spent the entire evening with all our family and friends we each love the most, in the magical setting of Ashley’s dreams, each detail handpicked by Ashley and Sam.

“The night was a tribute to life and love, and the beginning of the beautiful world Ashley and Sam will create together.”

“The wedding day was magical and filled with so much happiness,” added Scott Vogel, Ashley’s dad. “The most special memory was me and Stacy walking Ashley down the aisle to Sam. My mind was racing through all the memories of holding her for the first time to this moment when a new chapter in life begins for Ashley, Sam, and both families. Ashley and Sam are a great couple, like two unique puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly to form a new picture. Stacy and I are blessed with a wonderful family and meaningful friendships that made this day very special.”

The festivities wrapped up with a brunch at the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art on Sunday. Happily settled in Lincoln Park, Ashley and Sam are thoroughly enjoying newlywed life together. “From ducks to Bass Pro to the wedding, what a wild roller coaster!” expressed Sam. “The whole weekend was very special, with all our family and friends celebrating with us.”

“It was so nice to be surrounded by everyone, I really tried to be present. I just loved the flowers, and we’re so happy with the photos,” added Ashley. “I LOVE being married!”